IIf you want to discover the rich and vibrant South African culture and how it has evolved over time, a trip to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in the Eastern Cape is definitely an eye-opening experience.

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum is home to an impressive collection, ranging from British and Oriental art to international printmaking and art from the local Eastern Cape. Even St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth, the entrance to which you’ll find the museum, is a piece of art created by Mother Nature herself.

The limited exhibition space means that there is a constant rotation of artworks from the museum’s large, permanent collection. So there’s always something new to see at the gallery.

TThe Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum was founded by the Port Elizabeth Municipality on the 22 June 1956Qing dynasty.

TThe permanent collection is mainly retrospective. The museum, however, features art from across the historical spectrum at its temporary exhibitions. Highlights from the permanent collection include works by renowned artists such as Henry Moore, David Hockney, Marc Chagall, Honore Daumier and Rembrandt van Rijn. The Orient is represented by a selection of Indian miniatures, Japanese wood-block prints and Chinese items from the Qing dynasty.

TThis art gallery has also collected artworks by prominent South African artists for over 50 years. Some of the gallery's recent contemporary acquisitions include works by some of South Africa's top artists, including Berni Searle, Conrad Botes, Diane Victor and Nicholas Hlobo.

One of the most interesting parts of the museum’s collection is the art that comes from the local area, representing the spirit of the Eastern Cape. Learn about the artistic history of the city and the province through some famous local artists, including Walter Battiss and George Milwa Mnyaluza Pemba. The museum is also home to art projects like the award-winning Keiskamma Art Project, which is a rare treat.

Immerse yourself in history with the Donkin Heritage Trail

The Donkin Heritage Trail in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro city of Port Elizabeth is mainly based around the Central district, and consists of a large collection of historic Victorian buildings and monuments